The force between two electric point charges at rest in air is F₁ When the same arrangement is kept inside water, the force between them is F₂ . Which of the following statement is correct?

Step-by-step solution

The electrostatic force between two point charges q₁ and q₂ separated by a distance r in a medium with dielectric constant K is given by Coulomb's law as F = 1 4 ₀ K q₁ q₂ r^2 . In air, the dielectric constant K_ air 1 . Thus, the force is F₁ = 1 4 ₀ q₁ q₂ r^2 . In water, the dielectric constant K_ water 80 . Thus, the force is F₂ = 1 4 ₀ K_ water q₁ q₂ r^2 = F₁ K_ water . Since K_ water > 1 , it follows that F₂ Answer: F₂< F₁